Explore what you need to do to ensure that your home is ready if a hurricane hits your area.
The Atlantic Hurricane Season started June 1st, and since it runs through November, the time to make sure your home is ready if a storm hits your area is right now. Once a storm is threatening your area, everyone is scrambling to prepare, meaning lines are long for supplies that are in short supply. Additionally, as we have decades living and working in The Sunshine State, we at Tucker Paving know that hurricanes can shift their tracks quickly and without warning. Getting ready now is the best course of action to ensure that you are prepared for everything the storm could throw at you.
Getting Your Home Hurricane Ready
There are many different steps for getting your home ready for a hurricane.
- Review you homeowner’s insurance policy. Ensure you know what your policy covers and what it doesn’t, and that you have all of the necessary paperwork in a safe place. Pay special attention to if your policy covers flood damage and purchase additional flood insurance if you deem it necessary.
- Get important paperwork in order. Make sure you have paperwork like social security cards, birth certificates, deeds, medical records, and other important paperwork in a safe place, like a water and fire-proof safe.
- Take care of your roof. Make sure that all parts of your roof are in order, including replacing loose or missing components, sealing cracks, and adding hurricane straps to trusses.
- Protect doors and windows. Have storm shutters installed or buy enough plywood to cover all windows and doors.
- Strap down outdoor structures or features or bring them indoors. Ensure that everything outdoors that could be blown by the wind is either strapped down or in a garage, shed, or other building.
- Put together an emergency kit. This kit is so that you and your family are prepared for at least a week after the storm. You need to be prepared to survive without electricity or running water. Your kit should include:
- A radio
- A source of light, like flashlights
- Spare batteries for all your electronics
- A cell phone that is charged and a back-up battery
- Wrench or pliers that will allow you to turn utilities off
- A fire extinguisher
- Matches or a lighter in a waterproof bag
- Cash (do not rely on ATM machines or banks to be available)
- A stocked First Aid kit
- One to two weeks of prescription medications
- Insect repellent
- Water and non-perishable foods for one to two weeks
- Pet food for one to two weeks
- A way to cook food if necessary
It’s also a good idea to plan now if an evacuation order is issued.
Tucker Paving has enjoyed over 25 years in the asphalt and concrete paving industry in Central Florida, and we have been through our share of hurricanes! Whether at home or on the jobsite, safety is our most important priority! Contact us online, or call us at (863) 299-2262, for help with your next asphalt or concrete paving project!